How to Properly Introduce Belgian Malinois Dogs

Introducing your new Belgian Malinois dog to the pack is stressful for all involved, regardless of how carefully it’s done. Because the Malinois has a strong defense (fight-or-flight) drive it’s key to reduce stressors as much as possible. Melissa operates a rescue in Minnesota that accepts Malinois dogs and has a lot of experience with dog introductions. She says it is best to have the new dog remain separated from the other dogs for close to a week before formal introductions are made. She starts by leash walking the new dog past the resident dogs while they are in their kennels to test reactivity.

Dog reactivity and the human response

Defense drive is influenced by survival and self-preservation instincts, which influence both fight and flight behaviors. Handlers are able to identify these behaviors during a leashed kennel walk. Fight response is seen when the dog shows an inordinate amount of confidence. He may stare down the other dog with his ears and whiskers pointed forward and his tail held straight out from the body. Flight response is earmarked by cowering and a tucked tail or freezing (not going backward or forward). Raised hackles, barking and lunging are common in both fight and flight.

The introduction

If there isn’t much reactivity during the kennel walk, the handler will move to the next level in dog introductions. She’ll introduce the new Malinois dog to one of the resident dogs in the yard with leashes attached, but be dragging on the ground. Most Malinois dogs will work it out on their own. It could go very smoothly with just a little sniffing and circling and the two may even engage in play. In other cases, it gets very noisy. Experience will tell if and when it’s time to intervene.

It’s generally best to work through the process slowly and methodically, and if there are multiple Malinois dogs to be introduced, to stretch the introductions over several days. If a fight breaks out, return the Malinois dogs to their kennels and let them cool down. Don’t retry the introduction again until the next day. Sometimes it’s best to “crate and rotate,” meaning that one Malinois stays in the crate while the other is out for potty or exercise. When finished, rotate which K9 is out of the crate. Be careful not to let the crated Malinois out before the other is secured in his crate.

What to expect from a Malinois dog

A well-adjusted Malinois will not be aggressive toward other dogs or people under normal circumstances. A combination of proper obedience training and socialization is necessary from a young age. This high energy breed also needs both mental and physical exercise daily. A high percentage of Belgian Malinois dogs show up in rescue, usually because the owner wasn’t able to devote enough time to keep the dog busy. She says even though her own Malinois dogs compete in agility, barn hunts and IPO (Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnung), which was formerly known as Schutzhund, they can still be destructive when left to their own devices. It’s just not a sedentary family-friendly breed. The Belgian Malinois is best suited for a very active individual, a full-time job in the military or police work. It’s definitely not a dog that can spend eight hours in a kennel, five days a week.

About The Author

One Response

Zoraida Tanon

Hello… Im glad I found this group. I will received in 2 weeks a Belgium Malinois that is trained for defense and protection, the owner cant keep it. I have take care of the dog in several occasions so he knows me well, but never introduce him to my Chihuahua. How should I do it? The dog is moving with me.

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Disclaimer

Please understand this is not professional veterinarian advice. This is only us sharing our opinion of what has a track-record of working for us in our experience as trainers and breeders. We are not licensed veterinarians... If you follow anything here you're responsible for the outcome. If you are seeking professional veterinarian advice or are unsure of anything, please contact your local animal clinic.

Mary (Oroville, California)

"Tibo received a new toy (water bottle with animal cover) this morning. He did really well on his first tracking exercise Saturday. Tibo seemed to know we were doing something different when I put the harness on him. He began to focus not pull puppy nonsense... Biting leash, tugging on leash... He followed me out and sat at the start. Then I helped him find each treat on the track and the glove at end. He is the most focused puppy I have ever had. This afternoon I will set another track for him. At some point I will try to video it for you. I Love Malinois." -Mary from Oroville

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James (Roseville, California)

"My live in girlfriend and I are very active people. I am looking for an active dog to make part of our family. I am not looking to compete him/her however I do want a dog that I can take running, backpacking, camping, surfing, hiking, and play around with other dogs/families. I am looking for a dog that I can train to be well disciplined and a constant companion. I am looking for a very loyal companion that can be easily trained and has lots of energy. I have known a few belgian families, all of whom swear by the dog and have explained to me they would never own a different dog because their dog does all the above. After meeting several belgians myself I have grown to love there energy, playfulness attention to their owners and natural discipline. I also believe them to be some of the most beautiful dogs and look forward to bringing one into my family." -James from Roseville, California

Matt (Tahoe City, California)

"I was lucky enough t work with a Malinois while working on a farm over 12 years ago. It was a great dog, but it was not trained for any specific task even though the farm had cattle and sheep. Whittle, the Mal, did save me from having to put down a sheep because he was able to help me round the sheep up. Whittle did it naturally and I fell in love with the breed.
I have done extensive research into the breed and the more I read the more interested I become. In addition to reading extensively online I have a couple of books I have recently bought; The Art of Raising a Puppy and How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend. I am an active person and I am looking for an active dog do get outside with me. In addition to getting the dog outside a lot I am interested in getting the dog involved with agility training http://www.acedogsports.com/). I have also inquired about getting involved with CARDA http://search-dogs.carda.org/. As an outdoor enthusiast I have experience in search in rescue efforts in Tahoe. "
-Matt from Tahoe City, California

Maureen (Las Vegas, Nevada)

"I was introduced to the Belgian Malinois breed in the late 1990s. I worked for Oxnard Police Department and they were slowly replacing their German Shepherds with Belgian Malinois. I have been very impressed with their intelligence, loyalty and trainability. I am looking for a dog that will be both a family dog and security dog. As much as I love German Shepherds, I am wary of their history of health and inbreeding issues." Maureen from Las Vegas, Nevada

Michelle (Techapi, California)

"We have decided upon the the Belgian Malinois because we want a guard dog who will be loyal to and protective of our family (we have 3 children) and an active and smart dog who can accompany us on our vacations and day trips (our favorite place to go is the mountains) as well as on our daily/weekly runs and hikes. The longevity of the Malinois as well as the good health of the breed was also a main factor. The Malinois is also a very beautiful and unique dog. We considered a German Shepard, but felt that the size and the shorter hair of the Malinois would be more suitable since the dog will be welcome inside the home." -Michelle from Techapi, California

James, (Monterey, California)

"I am a 100 percent disabled veteran, during my 5 deployments before being disabled I worked daily with 3 different malinois and was amazed by how intelligent and loyal these dogs are and would absolutely love to have one of my own. I would also like to train not only the dog, but myself as well at operation freedom paws in gilroy." -James from Monterey, California

Gemma (Sacramento, California)

"Our last dog, Stella, was a Belgian Malinois and she was an amazing dog. The breed is perfect for our lifestyle. We are an active couple who loves to go for runs, hikes, and to the trails/rivers that are all over Sacramento. Our dogs get plenty of exercise and we need one that can keep up with us. Additionally, we love the intelligence of Malinois’. They are eager to learn, and respond to training very well. We went to training with Stella when she was a puppy, and we intend to do the same with our next dog. We have a large home, with a large, secure backyard. Plus, I work from home so the dog will get plenty of stimulation to ensure they don’t get into trouble :) We’re looking for our next family member to share our energetic and loving home." -Gemma from Sacramento, California

Eddie (San Jose, California)

"I've come to know this breed of dog from watching a segment reported on 60 minutes on how the military trained Belgian Malinois to detect explosive in the middle east. After doing some research on this breed, I found they have a very similar quality as the German Shepherds. Both breeds, the Malinios & German shepherds have excellent temerpament, easy to train, very loyal to their owners, very protective & alert. The exception between the two is size difference. The Malinois is medium size which is more ideal in what I'm looking for. Don't get me wrong, I still love German Shepherds, but the smaller size of the Malinois is more ideal for me."
Eddie from San Jose, California

Daniel (San Diego, California)

"I was in Afghanistan last year deployed Navy working with the Army, I had my first experience with Malinois as working dogs and thought they were amazing. The dogs were remarkably smart, and to how they worked with their handlers it was like nothing I had ever seen. I rescued a pitt/hound mix when I lived in Florida, she was awesome! Loved her to death, however she had a surgery and while in recovery at the 'animal ER' she died due to infection.
I own my home in FL and didn't have any issues with Lali being a Pitt, however moving to San Diego there are quite a bit more restrictions with Pitt bulls in various communiites. " -Daniel from San Diego, California

Marco (Los Angeles, California)

"I like Malinois' for it's intelligence, loyalty, and non stop temperament-I am a formerly enlisted Marine. I've always had a thing for teaching, and training and have the patience to work through difficulties and sacrifice in order to see and be proud of the end results. This breed is very beautiful and seems to go hand-in-hand with a no non-sense type of individual. I feel very comfortable knowing there is a protector/deterrent when I am away from my home for day to day activities/chores."
-Marco from Los Angeles, California

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